THE GODS OF NEWPORT by John Jakes
John Jakes is one of America's best writers of historical fiction. He can take an historical era and bring it vividly to life. Then he throws in a fascinating story of romance and adventure. Mix it all up and he has produced another best seller such as his current novel THE GODS OF NEWPORT.
In this story he examines life in the resort town of Newport, Rhode Island during the latter part of the nineteenth century. It was during this time that this city was becoming the society haven of the most prominent of American citizens. You had to have money in order to be part of Newport society, but wealth was not the only criteria. You had to have social standing and that was hard to come by.
Sam Driver had tons of money but he had been rebuffed in his efforts to gain acceptance in Newport society early in his marriage. This refusal of acceptance had haunted his wife Grace all her life. After her untimely death Sam was even more determined to breach the walls of Newport for the sake of his daughter Jenny. He wanted her to have acceptance in the most elite social class, and also to marry well.
Prince Molloy was not equal to Jenny Driver in social standing. He did not know who his father was and his mother worked as a chambermaid serving the rich and famous. He hated those who lived in the upper levels of society, at least he did until he met Jenny Driver. There was an instant attraction between them, even though they both knew her father would never let them see each other.
As Sam Driver and Jenny breached the walls of Newport society, the image of Prince Molloy lingered in Jenny's mind. Sam Driver was aware of this and took stern measures to keep Molloy from being near his daughter.
All of this plays out over the course of decades with Newport serving as the backdrop for the romance and the manipulations of Sam Driver. The details of this ultimate social life are given, and the peculiarities and eccentricities of the wealthiest of wealthy are laid out to be viewed in amazement and for ridicule.
Jakes makes his story so interesting that the book is a quick read. He also manages to create the fictional parts with such believability that they fit seamlessly with the actual events of this age and society. Some characters who are real seem fictional, and some characters who are fictional seem real.
The love story between Prince Molloy and Jenny Driver is the heart of the book, but the descriptions of the actual events that occurred during this time frame are the moments from the story you will remember.
John Jakes has provided us with impressive novels in the past such as the NORTH AND
SOUTH TRILOGY and THE KENT FAMILY CHRONICLES. THE GODS OF NEWPORT shows he still has the flair for making history come to life.
THE GODS OF NEWPORT is published by Dutton. It contains 383 pages and sells for $26.95.